Working Conditions and Employee Performance in Lira city, Northern Uganda: A Twin Challenge to Service Delivery

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effect of working conditions on employee performance in Lira City, Northern Uganda. Methodology: A descriptive research was adopted among a population of primary school teachers in both public and private schools in Lira city as the main study participants, other stakeholders were the City Education Officer, the Head teachers of the schools and the chairperson school management committee of the schools and pupils. The study was gender sensitive, both male and female participants were involved women account for 48% and 52% for male. Findings: The results revealed that prompt payment was not enforced, this vacuum accounted for 50% in many private schools where payment is even made after three month and you are paid a salary for one this demoralizes many teachers and it has resulted in to large numbers of teachers’ turnover. Furthermore, management have weak administrative skills and capacity to manage people they lead due to incompetence, ignorance about rule of law and the need for working together, failure to balance between position, responsibility and work. Contribution to theory, policy and practice: The findings of this study are vital to both school managers and education planners at the macro-level to evolve policies and frameworks that prioritize working conditions rather than merely focusing on salaries. Further, the findings will help re-awaken school managers to balance environmental conditions that are conducive for both work and education for children. Recommendations: We implore the need for evidence-based and/or targeted capacity building, strengthening available labor laws and policies, in addition to enforcing compulsory implementation of school feeding program in every school.